California Gov. Newsom’s national ambitions spark criticism over state record, while musician Myers launches bid for lieutenant governor.

Newsom’s South Carolina Trip Fuels 2028 Speculation

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s two-day visit to South Carolina this week intensified speculation about a possible run for president in 2028, but also exposed fault lines within the Democratic Party regarding his national appeal. Newsom met with voters, local officials, and the South Carolina Democratic Party at churches, cafés, and community centers, aiming to boost Democratic momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms. The trip, organized by state party leaders eager to bring national Democrats to historically neglected regions, comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s decisive electoral victory and renewed debate over the party’s approach to working-class voters.

Despite the high-profile outreach, influential South Carolina Democrat and former state senator Richard Harpootlian offered a blunt assessment, telling the Los Angeles Times that Newsom must address his "many failures in California" before seeking national office. Harpootlian, an attorney and former state Democratic Party chair, argued that Newsom lacks the blue-collar appeal needed to connect with voters in key battlegrounds. “He’s a very, very handsome man,” Harpootlian observed, “but the party is searching for a left-of-moderate candidate who can articulate blue-collar hopes and desires. I’m not sure that’s him.”

Harpootlian further questioned Newsom’s ability to explain lingering issues in California, such as homelessness and strains on the social safety net, warning that his reputation as “just another rich guy” might hinder his prospects in states like South Carolina. “If he had a track record of solving huge problems like homelessness, or the social safety net, he’d be a more palatable candidate. I just think he’s going to have a tough time explaining why there’s so many failures in California,” Harpootlian said. Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the criticisms or his long-term political plans.

Myers Joins State Race, Promises to ‘Fight Back’

Meanwhile, the race for California’s lieutenant governor intensified as musician Tim Myers, co-founder of OneRepublic, announced his candidacy as a Democrat. On his campaign website, Myers cited “a broken political system” and “Trump’s attacks on California” as central motivations for his entry into the race. He promised to bring a “fresh, strong voice” to state government and push for policies that help ordinary Californians afford homes, pay bills, and feel safe.

Myers, who had previously declared a bid for the U.S. House of Representatives, explained his shift in a social media post, recounting personal stories of crime, homelessness, and frustration with both national and local politicians. “I can’t stay silent. I can’t stay on the sidelines,” he wrote. Myers criticized fellow lieutenant governor hopefuls for using the office as a political stepping stone, declaring, “the only ladder I care about is the working people here in California climbing up the ladder.”

Political discussion also reached into the cultural sphere as Myers’ OneRepublic bandmate Ryan Tedder faced criticism for social media comments supporting a U.S. Army military parade. Tedder’s nonpartisan remarks sparked debate amid growing political polarization, highlighting how cultural figures can become entwined in state and national politics.

As Democrats across the country reevaluate strategy after the 2024 election, these latest developments in California underscore the party’s ongoing struggle to define its leadership and reconnect with voters at every level. The 2028 presidential primary remains years away, but party insiders and grassroots organizers are already weighing the qualities needed in their next generation of leaders.